Error, missing operation
Description
See Also
For 2-D Math
In general, the best practice is to enter a multiplication symbol (*) for multiplication in any calculation. In some cases, you can instead insert a space character between two quantities to multiply them. This is called implicit multiplication.
For a product containing integers and decimals, implicit multiplication can be used only if the number occurs in the left-most position in the product. For products of numbers, use explicit multiplication (⋅), entered by using the asterisk (*) symbol on your keyboard. However, you can use implicit multiplication for products containing fractions.
Example 1
Valid
2 x = 2x
Not valid
23
To fix the error, insert a multiplication symbol between the two quantities instead of a space.
2⋅3 = 6
Example 2
2 .5
2.3 5.3333333333
2⋅.5 = 1.0
2.3⋅5.3333333333 = 12.26666667
23 53 = 109
All of the errors shown in these examples are due to the rule that a number cannot appear as the right-hand operand of an implicit multiplication operation. In such cases, use of explicit multiplication (*) can avoid the error. For more information, see 2DMathDetails.
Tip: Troubleshooting your mathematics is easier if you use explicit multiplication symbols.
2Dmath, 2DMathDetails, floating-point numbers
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